If there is one thing I have learned in this life, it is that locals always think their region has a better than average beer scene.

The reality of the situation is that (without exception that I am aware of) if you are close enough to a major city to be able to say that you are near that city with a straight face, then your beer selection is going to be just fine.

I would say with hesitation that this applies to larger geographic regions as well. States, 'coasts', perhaps even countries and continents.

(If I have learned anything else in life, it is that you should always be gracious when someone offers you a beer.)